Escape hatches and other hatches in the weather deck on passenger vessels must be

• A. water tight
• B. air tight
• C. fire resistant
• D. lockable

Answer: (A)

Water tight closures on escape and other weather deck hatches are essential to keep seawater out of the vessel when waves and spray reach the deck. By forming a proper seal, these hatches prevent flooding of spaces below the deck, which helps maintain buoyancy, stability, and overall safety for passengers and crew. Airtight would trap air and could interfere with ventilation and drainage, which isn’t the needed safety function for these openings. Fire resistance is a separate requirement tied to separating compartments from fire, not the primary purpose of weather deck hatches. Lockable is a practical feature for security, but it isn’t the safety criterion that governs weather deck hatch design.